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Square-Enix: Aya Brea Could Lead Our "Next Big Franchise"

The 3rd Birthday will arrive in North America on March 29 but despite what should be a fine PSP production, many long-time Parasite Eve fans had hoped for a PS3 iteration.

And as far as Square-Enix director Hajime Tabata is concerned, that's not out of the realm of possibility...provided we're interpreting his comments correctly. Tabata told VideoGamer that the franchise protagonist, Aya Brea, has the capability to lead the publisher's "next big franchise."

"Parasite Eve 2 finished the story for Parasite Eve, so we couldn't do a Parasite Eve 3. We really thought Aya was such an attractive protagonist, so we didn't want to just leave her alone. We wanted to resurrect her in hope to make an Aya Brea series our next big franchise.

We are hoping to see this franchise grow bigger and become more established. This entry will be our first step into showing off the franchise; hopefully there will be more to come."

Tabata also addressed comments that Aya had received a sexual overhaul for her new game. As most of you know, Aya's clothes become torn as she takes damage, which of course reveals more and more skin. But Tabata said this feature isn't about "sexual innuendo for sexual reasons" but rather, a way to portray a "fierce battleground." At the same time, he admitted that the cute blond's "sexiness" is definitely "part of the whole package."

"In a sense, making her look sexy was not our intention. There was a lot of talk on the internet about her sexy design, and if there was going to be a shower scene. We would not have thought that many other game heroines would have attracted so much attention. She has got an epic quality. There is more than just the sexy side to her, but the sexiness is just a part of the whole package."

Now, if it's their "next big franchise," wouldn't one assume that we'd see Aya arrive in glittering HD on the PS3 at some point? Such a title could be big for Square-Enix...

They have this weird idea that male gamers like watching female game leads. ;)

Personally I understand the point of view. I mean if you're going to watch the rear end of a character run around a game for hours and hours, which is preferable a pretty female lead, or a heroic male lead? You can probably guess from my avatar which I think is preferable. It's a game after all, I'm playing to enjoy it...and well....not to put too fine a point on it, the female leads in games are more enjoyable to play.

So Square Enix wants to make a JTPS for the PS3 do they? Sounds weird. Of course it would have to go to 360 on one disc and thus be scrapped down to bits and pieces. And it would have to be more westernized because nobody likes anything Japanese in their games (hyperbole).

Sadly though, I'd probably buy it. I like Aya. I remember being so thrilled when I bought Parasite Eve on the "Squaresoft" name alone and reading "The Cinematic RPG" on the back. *tears*

If this new game has the same game mechanics as the original Parasite Eve, I'm sold, day 1! :)
If they try to "westernise" it, well... so far this generation there are no SE games in my game library.
Either SE gets Sakaguchi to run the company (yeah right)or Sony gets a deal with Mistwaler, that guy knows how to make JRPG's.